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Tour manager
Travel manager, tour supervisor
Tour managers manage the travel arrangements of holidaymakers and business clients to make sure their trips run smoothly.
Average salary (a year)
£16000
Starter
£30000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
28.0 to 30.0 hours
seasonal
Work Hours
on call
as customers demand
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role; applying directly
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like travel and tourism management, although this isn't essential.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
You could take a college course like a Level 4 Diploma in Tourism Management, which may give you some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You may be able to get into this job through a travel consultant advanced apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You could move into this job after getting experience in a related role like a travel agent, tour guide or tour rep.
Direct Application
You can apply for jobs directly if you have
experience of working with people, a friendly and approachable manner, a keen interest in the culture, geography and history of the locations covered by the tour, a good working knowledge of foreign languages if touring overseas, experience of working overseas if the job you're applying for is based abroad
Employers may ask for a good general standard of education, like some GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), particularly in maths and English.
More Information
Professional And Industry Bodies
You could join the Institute of Travel & Tourism, which offers industry training courses, news and networking opportunities to members.
Further Information
You can find more information on careers in the travel industry from the Institute of Travel & Tourism.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Customer service skills
    To be flexible and open to change
    Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    Excellent verbal communication skills
    The ability to work well with others
    The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    Sensitivity and understanding
    The ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
You could offer services to the public or business clients and would typically
meet and greet people, explain travel arrangements and give details of stopover points, make sure accommodation, meals and services are satisfactory, help with passport and immigration issues, give talks about places of interest or find local tourist guides to do them, promote and sell trips, advise on sights, local restaurants and shops at each destination, record issues that may require follow-up after the tour, give advice, solve problems and deal with emergencies like loss of passports or money, illness or difficulties with accommodation
Working environment
You could work in a hotel or in holiday accomodation.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Your working environment may be crowded, outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could work freelance, become a tour operations manager or specialise in particular types of tour, like food and drink breaks, adventure holidays or business travel.
You could also set up your own tour business.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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